IPL: Anil Kumble removed as Punjab Kings head coach
In a major development, Punjab Kings (PBKS) has parted ways with head coach Anil Kumble. His stint has at Punjab has come to an end after the franchise decided not to renew his contract. As per ESPNcricinfo, several team owners took the decision to remove Kumble, who was with the franchise in three seasons (2020, 2021, and 2022). Here are further details.
PBKS finished in the lower half in last three seasons
Kumble joined PBKS in 2020. They failed to reach the playoffs and finished fifth in 2020 and 2021. Kings finished sixth in the 2022 edition, which was a 10-team affair. In 2020, Kumble became the fifth coach of Kings in five seasons after Sanjay Bangar (2014-16), Virender Sehwag (2017), Brad Hodge (2018), and Mike Hesson (2019). He was the only Indian coach in 2020.
The decision was taken by a board
As stated, a board comprising several multiple owners, including Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, industrialists Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia and Karan Paul, and CEO Satish Menon took the decision. It is understood that PBKS will name a new head coach soon.
How did Kumble fare as coach?
Under coach Kumble, PBKS played as many as 42 games in the IPL. They won 18, lost 22, and tied two matches, the second worst IPL win-loss ratio for any team since 2020, as per ESPNcricinfo. During the last three editions, the PBKS management was slammed for regularly altering the Playing XI. The franchise was also under the scanner for taking irrational on-field decisions.
Will PBKS retain skipper Mayank Agarwal?
While PBKS have ousted Kumble, it remains to be seen if they retain their skipper Mayank Agarwal. The latter was appointed the captain last season after Lucknow Super Giants traded KL Rahul. However, the batter in him couldn't handle the pressure of captaincy. He scored just 196 runs at an average of 16.33 and a strike rate of 122.5.
